Boise State men’s basketball announces Dukulis, Nebeker leaving team

The Boise State men’s basketball team will not return two bench players from last season — the Broncos announced sophomore Edmunds Dukulis and redshirt freshman Joey Nebeker “will continue their playing careers elsewhere.”

The pair combined for 24 points and 23 rebounds last season. Dukulis, who signed from Latvia, sat out the 2012-13 season because of an NCAA ruling. He said on Wednesday night he was unsure of his next step, but likely will figure it out in the coming days. Nebeker is a Melba High graduate.

Nebeker said he was informed earlier this week his scholarship would not be renewed. Though he only played 28 minutes last season, he planned to return.

“I’m feeling shocked still,” Nebeker said Wednesday night. “It definitely caught me off guard. I got pulled out of lifting weights and was told I wouldn’t be part of the team. It’s very difficult to handle. I thought I’d be here for five years. I feel a little cheated.”

The 6-foot-7, 222-pound Nebeker said he felt he “didn’t have much of an opportunity to show my abilities.” In a meeting with coaches last week, he stressed he “never complained” about working mainly on the scout team and that he could be a team leader next season.

“There’s not a doubt in my mind I wanted to be back,” Nebeker said. “I was told I’d get an opportunity to prove myself next season, but I won’t be getting it.”

Nebeker said he has already narrowed his list of potential transfer schools, and his destination is likely going to be local. His brother, Sy, played at NNU.

“I just want the opportunity to show Melba’s not a fluke,” Nebeker said. “I’m just excited to get back on the court.”

With the announcement, the Broncos currently have 12 of the maximum 13 scholarships available for the 2014-15 season. Boise State signed Chandler Hutchison and David Wacker in November, and added junior college center Kevin Allen on Tuesday. Texas center/forward Zach Haney verbally committed for next season late Tuesday night. Here is the current roster breakdown: